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April 15, 2026 – India –
An attack on the office of Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin in Lakhimpur district, Assam, has triggered widespread condemnation from press bodies, political leaders, and journalist unions, who have raised concerns over growing threats to media freedom in the state. The incident occurred when unidentified individuals pelted stones at the newspaper’s office, damaging property but causing no reported injuries to staff.
The assault took place shortly after public remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma targeting sections of the media, including the Pratidin media group and its affiliated outlets. Press organizations and journalist associations have linked the timing of the attack to a broader climate of hostility toward critical reporting.
Following the incident, the Press Club of India issued a strong condemnation, describing the vandalism as a serious assault on press freedom and calling for a swift, impartial, and time-bound investigation. It warned that such attacks reflect a shrinking space for journalism in the region and a growing pattern of intimidation against media houses.
Reports indicate that the attack occurred around the time of the recently concluded state assembly elections, a period during which tensions between political actors and media organizations were already heightened. Journalist bodies have pointed to additional incidents, including the reported burning of newspapers and verbal attacks on journalists, as part of an increasingly hostile environment for the press in Assam.
Media associations in the state have also organized protests and solidarity actions, demanding accountability and stronger protections for journalists and newsrooms. They argue that repeated incidents of intimidation, combined with aggressive rhetoric against media institutions, risk undermining democratic accountability and public access to information.
Opposition political voices have similarly criticized the attack, calling it part of a wider failure to ensure press safety and alleging that state machinery has not adequately addressed previous incidents involving media outlets. These concerns have contributed to an ongoing debate about the relationship between political authority and journalistic independence in Assam.
Overall, the incident has become a focal point in discussions about press freedom in India’s northeast, with journalist bodies urging authorities to ensure accountability, prevent further attacks, and restore confidence among media workers operating in an increasingly sensitive political environment.
Reference –
Office of Indian newspaper attacked after alleged threat by Assam chief minister
